Week of April 1-5

Families of 4C,

Hello Archway Arete Family! Fine Arts and French Night is Wednesday, April 10th  from 5:30 to 7:30. Please bring your friends and family for a night of celebrating our student’s achievements in Art and French! Art will be displayed on the walls by classrooms, French videos and performances will take place in the MPR, and there will be mini art lessons in the art room. Light refreshments will be served on the playground courtyard by our lovely PSO. Excited to see you there!

The Book Fair is coming up! If you like to volunteer, please visit the Sign-Up genius here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4EA5A72DA7F58-book. You may also view the flyer for more information!

Here is the link to Ms. Weddle's music class blog, where she has posted some information regarding the German song students are currently learning. ------> https://aretek-2music.blogspot.com/

You may also visit the blog post from our class blog detailing the AzMERIT testing schedule here: https://conforti4c.blogspot.com/2019/03/azmerit-testing-schedule-and-information.html

Though there is testing on Monday and Thursday, we will be spending our remaining time this week continuing to review and prepare for the other upcoming AzMERIT tests. However, students can still expect to have their weekly roots and math quizzes on the weeks of testing.


Have a great week!

--Mrs. Conforti

AzMERIT Testing Schedule and Information

Families of 4C,

Our students have been working very hard to prepare for the AzMERIT and Science AIMS tests coming up in April. Here is a look at testing dates for each tests. Please note that all students need to present on the days of testing.

• Monday, April 1: Science AIMS Test
• Thursday, April 4: AzMERIT Writing Test
• Friday, April 12: AzMERIT Reading and Math Part 1
• Monday, April 15: AzMERIT Reading and Math Part 2

Before each day of testing, students should get a good night's rest and should eat a balanced breakfast the day of. 

As the state tests are all taken on computers, please note that all students need their own pair of headphones or earbuds on testing days. Most students are already keeping a set at school, but in case they are not already, they should bring them with them for the AIMS Science test this Monday.

Students should also have a book prepared to read when they are finished with their test. Silent, independent reading will be the only option for students to do once they are finished. Students will get a 30 minute break for recess and snack between testing segments, and most students should be finished with testing around 10:00 on most testing days. 

So that students are relaxed in their preparation for these state tests, I will not be sending out weekly Grade Reports until after state testing has concluded. 

All of our scholars have put forth incredible academic effort throughout this school year, and I know their hard-earned efforts will pay off. Still, it is important to keep in mind that these tests are only just that-- tests. While it is important for students to try their best, my hope is that they all go into testing with confidence in their own efforts, rather than anxiety or fear of not performing well. I went out of my way on Friday to reiterate to them all that they have trained for their marathon exceptionally well this year, and to come in ready to do good work just as they have done every single day of fourth grade to this point. 

If you have any further questions regarding AzMERIT or AIMS testing, do not hesitate to reach out. 

--Mrs. Conforti

Outdoor P.E.

Students will be having P.E. outdoors for the next 4-5 weeks. Please plan on applying sunscreen at home, and don't forget to send your student to school with a water bottle! Keep in mind that during this time of year, there is a lot of dust and pollen in the air. Please plan accordingly for any health needs for your students (i.e. inhalers, allergy medication, etc.) For week 2-4 lesson plans, see last week's blog post.

Weeks of March 19 - April 12 (Q4 W1-4)

Families of 4C,

I hope our students enjoyed their well-deserved time off and are eager to come back to school!

Tutoring will begin week 2 on Monday, March 25. If tutoring is recommended for your child, you will receive an email invitation at the end of week 1.

With AzMERIT and AIMS Science around the corner, much of what we are doing over the next four weeks is in preparation for that. Thus, instead of writing the same thing over and over for the next four weeks, I'm going to just give you one long blog post so you know what to expect. Before the break, Mr. Naaktgeboren sent out a post about AzMERIT and how we will be preparing for that. If you’d like to read it, you can take a look here.


Lessons:

Math: In math, over the next four weeks, students will spend time learning about data analysis, graphing, and units of measurement. However, the majority of the time will be spent reviewing things they have learned in prior units such as factors and multiples, fractions and decimals, and the four operations. There will be nightly homework and weekly quizzes in math, but no tests.

Literature: During the literature time over the next four weeks, students will be reading short stories and articles to practice their comprehension skills. Hopefully, this time spent focused on reading fluency and comprehension will help them practice the skills necessary to grow in this area.

Spalding: Students will not be assigned Spalding words over the next four weeks. Instead, this time will be allotted to more ELA practice. Some of this time will be used to review vocabulary and other word features such as rhyme, synonyms, and antonyms. There will be no Spalding homework for the first four weeks.

History: During the third quarter, students learned how patriots fought against tyranny to gain their independence. Once the colonists defeated Britain, the challenge turned to how they should govern themselves. That will be the focus over the next six weeks. The test and quiz schedule for this unit is as follows: a quiz during week one, a quiz during week two, a test during week three, a quiz week five, and a test week six. All of these quizzes and tests are open notes. Students may find it helpful to complete the study guides at home for the two tests.

Writing: Students will have two writing assignments over the next couple of weeks. Both of these will be completed in one day to simulate the expectations for AzMERIT. Week one's essay will be an opinion essay. The prompt is would you rather serve as a scientist in the Amazon or Antartica. Week two's essay will be an expository essay. The prompt is to explain how the Three R's and composting are helping solve the trash problem. In addition to these activities, students will start their second major project. Each student will be assigned a signer of the constitution. They will then write a short biography (five paragraphs) on this individual and create a board for an oral presentation. This project is similar to the Europe project they did earlier this year, but it requires less work. Students will be provided with the information for their research, and only a posterboard is required (students are not expected to dress as the individual or to bring any food or other items in, however they may bring in items if they think it is beneficial). This will be due at the end of week six.

Science: Over the first few weeks of the quarter, students will spend time reviewing for the AIMS Science test. This assessment is on a variety of topics and requires students to apply facts and concepts in critical ways. During the review period, the goal will be to review the content so students can access information what has been taught this year but also to help them be able to use the information in new ways to come up with original ideas about how the world works around them and to solve problems.

Poetry: During the first three weeks, students will memorize part of "The Declaration of Independence." Then, from week four through week six, students will memorize the preamble to the "Constitution of the United States."

Greek and Latin Roots: Students will continue to learn new Greek and Latin roots and quiz on previous roots every Wednesday. They should now know 75 of the 100 they will be taught this year. Here is what the first four weeks will look like:

• Week 1 - learn 76-79
• Week 2 - learn 79-81, assessed on 76-79
• Week 3 - learn 82-84, assessed on 79-81
• Week 4 - learn 85-87, assessed on 82-84

I look forward to a very strong start to the final quarter of fourth grade!


-- Mrs. Conforti

Week of March 4-8

Families of 4C,

It was nice seeing so many of our students back to school and feeling better toward the end of the week after the bizarre stretch of illnesses that struck our class over last weekend. I hope students are able to keep showing the virtue of perseverance as they finish up the third quarter strong! We are extremely proud of the consistent model behavior and compassion for one another that they show daily!

With so many kiddos being sick, we have gone through tissues and hand sanitizer quite quickly in the past week. If you are willing and able, donations to our class would be appreciated!

All absent/missing work can be turned in up until Thursday, March 7.

Friday afternoon, we will be finishing up the week with our end-quarter celebration! We will be watching Disney’s Prince Caspian while eating lunch and snacks in the room. After lunch recess, students will come back up to the room to eat lunch so we may begin the film as soon as possible with the hope of finishing before dismissal.

There will be a Spring Break extra practice packet available if you are interested in having your child complete it, with the potential to earn extra credit. The packet will be designed to be spread over the course of multiple days, with the goal of keeping students’ minds warmed up for their return in the fourth quarter, where we will heavily be prepping for AzMERIT and Science AIMS. Aside from the extra credit packet, which is completely optional, Spring Break will be an R&R Week.


This Week:

Writing/Grammar: The final week of the third quarter will be spent reviewing the writing assignments from this quarter. The goal is to help students identify areas of concern and where they can improve their writing. We will be amping up our amount of time spent on writing in preparation of the AzMERIT Writing test until students test in April.

History: Students will be reviewing for their cumulative test on the American Revolution on Thursday, over content covered in chapters 1-20. The test will be open note, and the study guide for this exam will be due on Wednesday.

Literature: In literature, we will be finishing our reading of Carry on, Mr. Bowditch. Students will have one last journal entry for this book, totaling 8 journal entries in all. Students should also ensure they have their ship diagram glued in to their notebook and labelled for the notebook check this week.

Math: On Monday, students will be taking their test on adding and subtracting decimals. On Tuesday, students will learn how to multiply with decimals and they will be tested on this concept on Wednesday. Students will be starting Khan Academy when they finish their test, so if you are expected to volunteer, please note that this will likely be a more mellow day, as most students will be testing. On Thursday, students will learn how to divide with decimals. They will be tested on this concept on Friday.

Poetry: Students will continue their memorization for the poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Students will recite their stanza of the poem this week on Thursday, March 7.

Greek and Latin Roots: The review check for this Wednesday will be cumulative over roots 1-75.

Science: This week, students will begin reviewing for the Science AIMS test. We will continue reviewing previously taught concepts in preparation for the AIMS test in April. On Wednesday, students will have 40 minutes to take an in-class practice test.

Spalding: On Monday, students will be taking their monthly Morrison/McCall Test for March. This week, students will be studying their next 20 words, exact ----- metal. We will typically study 30 words every week; however, this is subject to change by a word or two from week to week depending on word groupings. A family member should dictate the words to the student each night for homework. Students will review words on Thursday and take the final test on Friday.


I wish you all a wonderful Spring Break, and I look forward to seeing our students back for a strong start to the final quarter of fourth grade on Tuesday, March 19!

--Mrs. Conforti

Week of February 25 - March 1

Families of 4C,

It’s hard to believe there are only two weeks left in the quarter! Our students are still going strong every day, setting a great example of behavioral expectations!

We have had a reported case of Conjunctivitis (pink eye) in our class. Keep an eye out for the letter that was sent home on 2/22 with more information from Nurse Walters.

As a reminder, all students need to have a pair of headphones or earbuds accessible at school. In an effort to get our kids comfortable using them in preparation for AzMERIT, I’d like them to bring them in as soon as possible. My goal is to have students use them during Khan Academy and Typing Quest so they are used to wearing them for the state tests in Spring, where they will need them for audio-related questions on the test. Thanks!

Grade reports will be sent out after week 8.

This Week:

Writing/Grammar: This week, students will be continuing their writing project about comparing and contrasting fast geologic processes, and slow geologic processes. This writing project will carry over for science this week as well. Throughout the week, students will have a grammar review packet for homework. On Thursday, they will be taking a practice test in class to prepare for their cumulative review test on Friday, March 1.

History: History tests and quizzes will be open-note for the remainder of the school year. Since all tests and quizzes are open-note, spelling counts! As long as students take effective notes in class, they should have all the information they need for the exam. This week, students will be learning about Valley Forge and John Paul Jones as they continue through their study of the American Revolution.

Literature: In literature, we will be continuing our reading of Carry on, Mr. Bowditch. Students will continue to have regular journal entries as part of their literature participation grade.

Math: On Monday, students will be taking their test on rounding decimals. Through the middle of the week, students will be doing a cumulative review over factors, order of operations, fractions, decimals, shapes (area, perimeter, diameter, radius, types of triangles, etc.), and geometric solids. They will take their cumulative review test on Thursday, February 28. On Friday, students will learn how to add and subtract decimals.

Poetry: Students will continue their memorization for the poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Students will recite their stanza of the poem next week on Thursday, March 7.

Greek and Latin Roots: Students will learn Greek and Latin roots 73-75. The review check for this Wednesday will be over roots 70-72.

Science: This week, students will be continuing their writing project about comparing and contrasting fast geologic processes, and slow geologic processes. This writing project will carry over for writing this week as well.

Spalding: This week, students will be studying their next 30 words, approval ----- err. We will typically study 30 words every week; however, this is subject to change by a word or two from week to week depending on word groupings. A family member should dictate the words to the student each night for homework. Students will review words on Thursday and take the final test on Friday.


I hope you all have a restful weekend!

--Mrs. Conforti

Week of February 19-22

Families of 4C,

Both our field trip to the State Capitol and our Great Hearts’ Day Celebrations were very successful! Thank you to all who volunteered your time, or supplied us with goodies!

There is no school on Monday, February 18, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Our class will be visiting the library on Friday, February 22, from 9:00-9:15.

Friday, February 22, is Spirit Wear Day! Students are permitted to wear a spirit shirt with uniform pants.

Here’s an article about sugar and the brain if you are interested in reading more about its impacts: https://www.learningliftoff.com/the-effects-of-sugar-on-a-childs-academic-performance/.
I know I personally struggle with my own sugar consumption, but I find the mornings I have a healthy snack with more protein or vitamins, my own focus and endurance are much stronger throughout the duration of the day. When I came across this article, I thought some families may find it useful and I wanted to share it out!

This Week:

Writing: This week, students will be doing a writing project about rocks, soil, weathering, and erosion. This writing assignment will carry over for science this week as well.

History: History tests and quizzes will be open-note for the remainder of the school year. Since all tests and quizzes are open-note, spelling counts! As long as students take effective notes in class, they should have all the information they need for the exam. On Tuesday, students will take their test over chapters 1-14 and will have their study guides on pages 219 and 220 due (#10 and #11 are from future chapters, and will be extra credit). They will continue through the American Revolution studies throughout the remainder of the week by learning about the battle of Saratoga and early America after the Declaration.

Literature: In literature, we will be continuing our reading of Carry on Mr. Bowditch. As a reminder, ALL students need to have a copy of this book. Currently, half of the students in our class do not have this book. If you are truly unable to supply a copy, your child may check this book out from the school library on Friday.

Math: This week, students will continue practicing decimals. On Wednesday, we will have Khan Academy after the students finish their test on thousandths. Later in the week, we will be studying rounding decimals and students will be tested on this concept on Friday.

Poetry: Students will continue their memorization for the poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Students will recite their stanza of the poem on Thursday, March 7.

Greek and Latin Roots: Students will learn Greek and Latin roots 70-72. The review check for this Wednesday will be over roots 67-69.

Science: This week, students will be doing a writing project about rocks, soil, weathering, and erosion. This writing assignment will carry over for writing this week as well.

Spalding: This week, students will be studying their next 20 words, minute ----- anger. We will typically study 30 words every week; however, this is subject to change by a word or two from week to week depending on word groupings. A family member should dictate the words to the student each night for homework. Students will review words on Thursday and take the final test on Friday.


I hope you all have had a great long weekend!

--Mrs. Conforti